Christmas is the most fun holiday for decorating your home’s exterior because there are so many options. There are all manner of lights, animated figurines, nativity scenes, sleds, reindeer, candy canes, and, of course – Santa! So how can you add some holiday cheer to your home without breaking the bank? Here are some ways to save money decorating this holiday season, and get the whole family involved, too.
Haste Makes Waste
First, it pays to do some simple planning to determine what you need to buy before you head to the store. Decide where you want to hang lights, and measure how long these areas are. You should also measure how far it is from these areas to the nearest outlet to determine how many extension cords to purchase, and in what lengths. If you plan to light trees as well, measure how tall the trees are, so that when you get to the store you can use the recommendations on the box to determine how many sets of lights you’ll need. It’s so easy to get carried away at the store and purchase more than you need, so having a list can prevent you from spending more than necessary.
Quality Yields Savings
Don’t skimp on the important stuff, such as the quality of your lights. Purchasing commercial-grade lights for your home’s exterior is not only safer, but they can be used for several seasons instead of falling apart after only a couple months of use. Purchase your lights from a reputable dealer, such as santasquarters.com. It may seem a little more expensive, but it will cost you less in the long run, while reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Recycle and Save
Here are some inexpensive ways to decorate your yard for the holidays using things you probably have lying around the house. The kids will love to help make these, too!
• Big Gifts: Have some old, stained tablecloths that you don’t know what to do with? Here’s your chance to give them new life. Recycle some large boxes from your job – or purchase a few from the local moving center – and wrap them in the tablecloths. Add wide-width ribbon for trim and fashion a big bow, and you’ll have some larger-than-life presents with which to adorn your yard.
• Silver Bells: Paint used yogurt containers with metallic silver paint, or any other colors your family likes. Punch a hole in the top and string some ribbon through, then hang these shiny bells in your trees and bushes.
• Inexpensive Luminaries: Instead of throwing your aluminum cans in the recycle bin, paint them up and – using a sharp can opener – punch star-shaped designs around the sides. Add some sand to the bottom and place in a votive candle. These make beautiful yet inexpensive luminaries to light up your driveway during the holidays.
• Candy Canes: Have some pool noodles lying around from the summer? Fashion them into candy canes by bending the top section down and securing it in place with clear fishing line. Then wrap with red ribbon (white ribbon, too if your noodles were not white to start with!). Secure the ribbon with pins at regular intervals and on the ends so it stays in place.
• Wrap it Up
Ribbon is an inexpensive decorating tool and – if you use the same colors consistently throughout your yard – can really bring all your holiday decorations together for a unified look. String it through your fence, around your mailbox, and around trees and bushes like garland. It also looks beautiful wrapped around light posts and exterior columns. If you have a wreath, use the same ribbon to embellish that, too.
Decorating for the holidays should be fun, and something that everyone in the family can chip in to create a display that’s uniquely your own. With some simple preparation and a dash of creativity, the exterior of your home will bring holiday cheer to all who pass by, without costing a fortune!
Author Annie Sullivan enjoys decorating for the holidays and shops for her office decorations at santasquarters.com, an online store with large selections of artificial Christmas trees, commercial grade wreaths, toppers and
Christmas ball ornaments.
